Beom-geun: We were confident of fighting back

PETALING JAYA: Self-belief is what the Petaling Jaya City football team have in abundance. And the Phoenixes proved it by snatching a come-from-behind 3-2 win over PKNP at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium on Saturday.

PJ City’s South Korean midfielder Bae Beom-geun said in retrospect that the whole team knew the odds were stacked against them but all of them wanted to prove the pundits wrong.

“Even before the match, we told ourselves not to give up. Whatever the odds, whatever the situation, we will not give up,” said Beom-geun.

“That spirit certainly showed in the match. PKNP scored two good goals, but we kept our heads up. we were confident of fighting back.

“Throughout, we constantly reminded each other to give 110% effort. Finally, we got our three points thanks to three beautiful goals.”

The Korean playmaker said it was a relief to get their first three points after struggling in the first two matches of the season.

He added that the inclusion of Brazilian strikers Giancarlo Rod­rigues and Pedro Henrique had changed the dynamics of the team, and he will continue working on improving his combination with the Brazilians.

“I will try to create as much goal-scoring opportunities as possible. I want to make sure that they can score and help the team win,” said Beom-geun.

“We are improving with every game. As a player, I know I have to get better in every game for the team. The harmony is there but now it is time to get results week in, week out.”

Many coaches in Malaysia have hailed the South Korean for his creativity and industrious plays, but Beom-geun said things would only get tougher for him in the upcoming matches.

“I would like to thank these coaches. However, I know I am a marked man in every game. The pressure is there, but I believe I can overcome it,” said Beom-geun.

PJ City will next face table-toppers Kedah at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Feb 22.